BOSTON -- Jason Varitek peered into his
locker then called out: "We wearing our jerseys?"
Not on Saturday and, perhaps, never again for him,
Pedro Martinez and Derek Lowe --
all cornerstones of Boston's World Series sweep and potential free
agents.
Red Sox players donned dark blue sweatshirts with the words,
"World Series Champions" before heading into the drizzle to board
amphibious "Duck Tour" boats for their victory parade Saturday.
Many walked around the clubhouse taking home videos of the scene. Others
signed bats and balls.
After all, it could the last day they're all together as teammates.
"This could be it," Lowe said, "But it's a special group. People are
going to remember guy's names on this team for a long time."
And the team's damp but devoted fans showed their gratitude at the
parade.
"It started raining and it was cold and the people didn't even care,"
Lowe said. "They've waited a long time. You'll never see a parade like
that with so many people, no matter what sport or what city."
Three Boston players -- outfielder Gabe Kapler
and pitchers Terry Adams and
Pedro Astacio -- already have declared free agency. Thirteen others
who are eligible have until Nov. 11 to decide whether to test the market.
Three-time Cy Young Award winner Martinez, postseason star Lowe and
clubhouse leader Varitek are the most important.
Martinez was one of the last players to arrive at Fenway Park before the
parade. He has a strong relationship with team owner John Henry, but his
agent, Fernando Cuza, has said it's too early to discuss his future.
Lowe was the winning pitcher in all of Boston's clinching victories in
the playoffs after having a mediocre season and being left out of the
postseason rotation.
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